You are cordially invited by Susana Menéndez, Member of the Executive Board of The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) and Catherine Millett, Chair of the Executive Committee of GAPS to attend this seminar and celebrate the launch of GAPS – the Global Access to Postsecondary Education Initiative.

How can global perspectives on education enhance inclusive learning and critical thinking to better prepare students for (inter-) national learning experiences in increasingly diverse societies? How can global learning improve students’ sense of belonging and therefore increase successful graduation and successful transition to the labor market?

Participation in postsecondary education is the gateway to economic and social prosperity for individuals and countries in the 21st century. There will be a shortfall in the number of workers educated to ‘college level’ or beyond across the world of 38-40 million by 2030 (McKinsey Global Institute, 2012). Yet across every nation in the world, access to postsecondary education is unequal. In addition, countries are faced with gaps in educational achievement as well as gaps in employment.

As the world becomes more globalized and (higher) education institutions are connected and interconnected on a local, international and global level it is crucial to prepare students for a changed and uncertain future. A future where acquiring knowledge as well as mastering skills are one dimension of success in college, career and citizenship. Another dimension is to enable students to acquire understanding of their role in the larger context of a local and global society. Supporting students in understanding different perspectives is imperative to global learning and enhances students’ sense of belonging. This requires new pedagogical skills of faculty to create inclusive learning spaces to successfully accommodate engagement in a classroom with different perspectives based on a diversity of backgrounds and narratives.

During this seminar you will meet an international group of speakers and practitioners and learn about a few good best practice examples.

COIL is a worldwide network engaged in cross-border collaboration assisted by information technology that provides students with an avenue for intercultural learning

Rajash Rawal, Director Management & Organization THUAS

10.40 – 11.00 RTF:Refugee Talent Hub

The Refugee Talent Hub is an online matching platform for refugee talent. It aims to guide a refugee through an integrated approach to work. Several parties from business, government, education and development sector joined forces for this to increase job opportunities and sustainable integration of refugees in the Netherlands.

11.00 – 11.15 Break

11.15 – 12.30 The Role of Faculty to Enhance Global and Inclusive Learning

In November 2017 GAPS will organize the 2nd World Congress on Access to Postsecondary Education in São Paulo, Brazil. During this interactive session speakers will explore the collaborations between Brazil and the Netherlands. This session aims also to create input from the audience for the upcoming World Congress in São Paulo.

Brazil Platform at THUAS, Marina Labraña, Department on Public Policy Law and Secuity

Rubens Beçak, Associate Professor in the ‘Theory of State’ at the University of São Paulo. Visiting Professor at the University of Salamanca for the Masters course on Brazilian Studies

Eva Egron Polak, Member of the Executive Committee GAPS Initiative

14.30 – 14.45 Break

14.45 – 16.00 WHY GAPS?

Chair: Catherine Millett, GAPS

Why does global access to postsecondary education matter for the future of (higher) education, the future workforce and societal and economic developments?

UK, Maurits van Rooijen, Vice Chair European Access Network

NL, Bas Derks, Program Director of the Equal Opportunities Alliance of the Dutch Ministry of Education Culture and Science

SW, Helena Lindholm, Pro Vice Chancellor University of Gotenburg, Professor of Peace and Development Research, Department of Global Studies

NL, representant from the business sector

NL, Bright Nshuti, Student and member Faculty Council Law Department and ECHO Ambassador